Yusuke Kanamaru is renowned as a shoulder throw specialist, particularly Morote Seoi nage. He performed many variations of Seoi nage from a range of grips, both kneeling and standing, he even developed his own unique and distinctive version.

In this clip Kanamaru demonstrates a basic standing Mo...

As with the majority of forward throws, the pattern of entry steps for seoi-nage is very simple, yet pivotal to the overall success of the technique.

Here Kanamaru shows us the step pattern used for his standing seoi-nage. First, Kanamaru steps diagonally forward with his lead foot, aiming to pl...

Now we will look at the overall body positioning needed for seoi-nage, and the importance of maintaining a suitable distance between Tori and Uke.

The most common mistake made with all forward techniques, is not maintaining enough space to permit the full 180-degree turn. Tori needs Ukes momentu...

Yusuke Kanamaru started learning seoi-nage at 6 years old, and throughout his distinguished competitive career, was renowned as a specialist of shoulder throws.

Although now referred to as seoi-otoshi, Kanamaru, when competing, knew his tokui-waza as a kneeling morote-seoi-nage. This beautiful t...

This kneeling morote-seoi-nage is Yusuke Kanamaru’s tokui-waza; his favourite and best technique. Such was his level of competency with this throw, he endeavoured to score and win with it in every contest.

With this seoi-nage forming the trunk, let’s take a look at how Kanamaru developed his Jud...

No matter if he was facing same or opposite stance opponents, Kanamaru’s goal remained the same - to throw and score with his kneeling morote-seoi-nage. As his favourite and best technique, it formed the trunk of his judo tree, from which the rest of his judo developed.

But adjustments were need...

Before coaching some of the World’s best players at the highest levels, Yusuke Kanamaru had an illustrious competitive career, winning four All Japan Judo Championships and two World Championship medals. Here are some examples of techniques from Kanamaru’s Judo tree applied in competitive situati...

The concept of a ‘Judo tree’ is easy to grasp. Your favourite or main technique, your ‘tokui-waza’, should be connected to all of your other techniques. Your tokui-waza forms the trunk of the tree, around which you build your branches. These branches are various other techniques that form combina...

Yusuke Kanamaru began judo following his brother at age six and developed a unique view of judo as not just a sport but an educational discipline. As a coach, he focuses on creating a supportive environment for athletes rather than imposing techniques, emphasizing mental discipline and the richne...